Brass Tracks (Brass Tracks)

Monteverdi was a bold (and chronologically correct!) start to this professional brass quintet concert, though there were one or two small technical issues with it. However, the band quickly established a rapport with their audience by introducing singer William Williamson in their own touching arrangement of ‘Annie Laurie’ for brass quintet and voice. ‘Night on Bare Mountain’ was highly dramatic, displaying a good partnership between trombone and tuba in an atmosphere of booming menace. Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ was enjoyable, and the chat between music was entertaining and informative. ‘St Louis Blues’, the original 12 bar blues, was also great- a memorable highlight during a lively concert. Brass concerts offer variety, joie de vivre and camaraderie – this one was no exception!